Isidor Straus

Life & Legacy

Isidor Straus (February 6, 1845 – April 15, 1912) was an American politician and businessman, who was a co-owner of Macy's department store with his brother Nathan. He served just over a year as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the state of New York.
Straus was born in Germany but immigrated to the United States with his family when he was nine, settling in Georgia. During the American Civil War, Straus was on the side of the Confederate States of America and though he was not allowed to serve in the Confederate Army, he worked on their behalf in England. After the Civil War ended, the family moved to New York City where he and his brother began their business career.
Straus died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic, along with his wife Ida who refused to leave the ship without her husband. His body was recovered from the site of the wreck and buried at the Woodlawn Cemetery.